Post-Operative Instructions

Your recovery is an important part of your surgical success. Following these instructions will help promote healing, reduce the risk of complications, and support your return to normal activities. Every patient’s recovery is unique, so always follow any specific instructions provided by Dr. Barton and your healthcare team.

Pain Management

It is normal to experience discomfort, swelling, and stiffness after knee surgery. These symptoms typically improve over the first several weeks.

To help manage pain:

• Take prescribed medications exactly as directed.
• Transition to over-the-counter medications (such as acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory medications, if approved) as your pain improves.
• Apply ice to the knee for 20–30 minutes at a time, several times each day.
• Elevate your leg above the level of your heart whenever possible to reduce swelling.
• Avoid placing pillows directly under your knee for prolonged periods, as this may contribute to stiffness.

Weight Bearing & Walking

Your weight-bearing status will depend on the type of surgery you had. Please follow the instructions provided by Dr. Barton regarding:

• Weight-bearing restrictions
• Use of crutches, a walker, or a cane
• Knee brace use (if applicable)

Walking short distances several times each day is encouraged unless instructed otherwise.

Incision Care

Keep your incision clean and dry.

• Leave your surgical dressing in place until instructed to remove or change it.
• Do not apply lotions, creams, or ointments directly to the incision.
• Avoid soaking the incision in a bathtub, hot tub, or swimming pool until it is completely healed and cleared by your surgeon.
• Showering instructions will be reviewed before discharge.

Contact our office if you notice:

• Increasing redness
• Drainage with foul odor
• Opening of the incision
• Fever greater than 101°F (38.3°C)

Swelling

Swelling is expected following knee surgery and may continue for several months.

To minimize swelling:

• Ice your knee regularly.
• Elevate your leg whenever resting.
• Perform ankle pumps throughout the day.
• Walk frequently but avoid prolonged standing.
• Wear compression stockings if recommended.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is one of the most important parts of your recovery.

Your rehabilitation program is designed to:

• Restore knee motion
• Improve strength
• Reduce swelling
• Improve balance and mobility
• Help you safely return to daily activities, work, and sports

Complete your home exercises as instructed and attend all scheduled therapy appointments.

Activity

During the first several weeks:

• Walk frequently throughout the day.
• Avoid high-impact activities.
• Do not drive until cleared by Dr. Barton.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects until approved.
• Gradually increase activity based on your recovery and physical therapy progress.

Blood Clot Prevention

After surgery, it is important to reduce your risk of developing a blood clot.

Recommendations may include:

• Walking several times each day
• Performing ankle pump exercises
• Wearing compression stockings
• Taking prescribed blood-thinning medication or aspirin as directed

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Chest pain
• Sudden shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood

These may be signs of a medical emergency.

Follow-Up Appointments

Your first postoperative appointment is typically scheduled 10–14 days after surgery, unless otherwise instructed.

During follow-up visits, Dr. Barton will:

• Examine your incision
• Review your progress
• Discuss activity advancement
• Review imaging (when appropriate)
• Answer any questions regarding your recovery

Please keep all scheduled appointments to ensure your recovery stays on track.

When to Call Our Office

Contact our office promptly if you experience:

• Fever greater than 101°F (38.3°C)
• Increasing redness or drainage from your incision
• Severe calf pain or swelling
• Uncontrolled pain despite medication
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• New numbness or weakness
• Any concerns about your recovery

Call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately for:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Sudden shortness of breath
• Loss of consciousness

Returning to Everyday Activities

Recovery timelines vary depending on the procedure performed, your overall health, and your rehabilitation progress.

Our goal is to help you safely return to the activities that matter most—whether that means walking comfortably, returning to work, enjoying recreational activities, or participating in sports. Throughout your recovery, our team is committed to providing guidance, answering your questions, and supporting you every step of the way.

Your commitment to rehabilitation, combined with personalized care from Dr. Barton and our team, is the foundation for a successful recovery.